Best of 2011... Best EPs

   The EP is always a great way for up and coming artists to introduce themselves to audiences, or for established bands to tease fans with new/extra tunes and in the past year there was no shortage of EPs floating around, so Shattered Vinyl picked the best of the best in EPs for 2011 with the Best EPs of 2011:

EP Beat: Megan Bonnell

Megan Bonnell - MAPS   4/5  iTunes


   Toronto's Megan Bonnell, having recently signed to Nevado Records (Yukon Blonde) releases her debut EP MAPS, a four track EP that introduces Bonnell and leaves a lasting impression with each song.

NXNE 2011: Megan Bonnell Blossoms

Megan Bonnell @ The Rivoli

Nevado Showcase NXNE 2011

  Since first being introduced to Megan Bonnell last October she has arguably become a staple of the Toronto music scene and since that initial mesmerizing performance at Toronto's Magpie, Bonnell has continued to perform and record with her debut EP Maps, due out on Nevado Records June 21st.  

20 Must See Artists At NXNE

Toronto's annual NXNE (North By Northeast) is in full swing and Shattered Vinyl has the lowdown on 20 Artists worth checking out at NXNE 2011. We've got you covered on where to be and when, to get the best music Canada's premiere festival has to offer. 

A Horse And His Boy

LONDON, ON

Friday, June 17th 11pm @ Hard Luck Bar

Saturday, June 18th 3am @ Rancho Relaxo

Genre: Alternative

10 Artists to Watch In 2011

   2010 was another great year in music and 2011 proves to be equally as exciting, and with so much music to look forward to, we've decided to look at ten artists worth watching in the new year. Whether they are new or familiar faces they all look to make 2011 a year worth remembering. 

10. First Rate People  Myspace

  First Rate People aren't exactly creating phenomenal buzz, but that's not to say they haven't already earned enough praise and proven themselves to earn a place as one of 2011's Artists to Watch. 

 The Toronto based outfit started 2010 with praise from Pitchfork, with their first single 'Girls' Night' a bouncy alt slice of '90s R&B, that's pure infatuation and highly addictive. 

 The band followed up their impressive first single with a self-release debut EP, It's Never Not Happening, and their second single, 'Gentlemen's Club' featuring Luke LaLonde of Born Ruffians on backing vocals. That was 2010, so why are they worth watching in 2011? 

   There's no word on what's next for the young Toronto band but if First Rate People manage to produce even one song like the aforementioned singles, full of optimism, relaxed beats and continue to channel a healthy dose of '90s R&B, alt rock and pop elements circa the Tom Tom Club it will be well worth the wait. 


   Gentlemen's Club (feat. Luke LaLonde & GenerationFK) by First Rate People by Shattered Vinyl

In Focus: Megan Bonnell

Catch Megan Bonnell's acoustic cover of the Great Lake Swimmer's 'Your Rocky Spine' played amongst the autumn leaves of a Toronto west-end Trinity-Bellwoods Park. Keep your eyes peeled for more on Megan and other exciting acts in the coming weeks.

Artist to Watch: Megan Bonnell

Megan Bonnell

Myspace

To see Megan Bonnell in person, attention is immediately paid to her gorgeous features, charming personality and the thought that this girl should be a model for some brand name designer, but stick her behind a piano, in front of a crowd of fifty plus curious individuals and all your preconceived notions fade. This was the case during Bonnell's recent self-titled EP release party at Toronto's Magpie.


Her silky voice with an air of Rachael Yamagata and eclectic sound, Bonnell is commanding even from a piano bench. Turning Magpie's crowd into fans with her indie folk-pop a mixture of beautiful ballads and playful, cheery pop. Despite her debut EP's length (just three songs) Megan uses her talents wisely showcasing her lyrical and vocal strengths.


In just a few short days, Bonnell has turned up the volume from simple songstress with a piano to the 'It' girl, with her sold out EP release performance and earning the honour of CHARTattack's 'Song of the Day' for her track 'The Wind' off her debut EP. The simple explanation is Megan Bonnell is a great musician, but that's selling her short. If recent events are any indication, and more on the way from Bonnell including two more performances in Ottawa and Montreal, as well as work on her debut full-length album, it's just the tip of the iceberg for the ethereal beauty.